Wike Reveals Why Fubara Quit 2027 Governorship Race

Wike has revealed why Fubara quit the 2027 governorship race.

Philips News reports that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday said the withdrawal of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, from the 2027 governorship race aligns with the peace agreement aimed at stabilising the state.

The FCT Minister stated this on Monday while briefing journalists after inspecting infrastructure projects in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Wike said the development was consistent with understandings reached during reconciliation efforts involving key political actors in Rivers State.

This online newspaper understands that the Rivers Governor recently stepped down from the All Progressives Congress governorship primaries, saying his decision was taken after consultations and in the interest of peace, unity, and stability in the state.

In a statement titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries,” the governor said the move followed careful reflection and discussions with family, allies, and associates.

However, Wike maintained that the withdrawal was not unexpected, arguing that it aligned with earlier agreements reached during peace negotiations.

PhilipsNews recalls that President Bola Tinubu intervened in the crisis between Wike and Fubara, including supervising a peace pact signed by the two sides before Fubara went against the terms, a move that led to the state of emergency in the state.

The President also met with the gladiators again before the cessation of the state of emergency of September 18, 2025, with Fubara stating that he was ready to sacrifice even his position for peace to reign in Rivers State.

According to the former governor, part of the understanding included dropping impeachment threats against Fubara on the condition that he would not seek a second term.

Wike also faulted the governor’s earlier decision to obtain nomination forms of the APC, saying it ran contrary to the spirit of the agreement and complicated reconciliation efforts.

“I am not surprised that the governor withdrew. In the first place, he ought not to have collected the form, because agreement was reached that the impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not go about a second term,” Wike said.

He added that the governor’s earlier actions “did not show signs of gentlemanship” despite several interventions aimed at restoring stability.

“But whatever it is, he has withdrawn, and somebody has emerged,” he stated.

The minister also expressed confidence in Kingsley Chinda’s political credentials, describing the lawmaker as a suitable candidate for the governorship position.

Wike added, “A good product markets itself. Everybody knows that Kingsley Chinda is the material.

“He’s quite experienced. He has worked with the executive and is now in the legislature. I am sure that he must have been approached by the All Progressives Congress to join them and then get the ticket.”